Panzer III Ausf J of the 12 Panzer division winter camo 2
The 12th Panzer Division was formed in October 1940 in Germany, primarily from elements of the 2nd Infantry Division (Motorized). It participated in significant operations on the Eastern Front, particularly during the Siege of Leningrad and later in defensive operations in the Orel and Dnepr regions.
Initial Formation
The division was composed of:
- Panzer Regiment 29 (three battalions)
- Rifle Brigade 12, including:
- Rifle Regiment 5 (two battalions)
- Rifle Regiment 25 (two battalions)
- Motorcycle Battalion 22
- Aufklärungs Abteilung 2 (Reconnaissance)
- Artillerie Regiment 2 (three battalions)
- Heeres Flak Abteilung 303 (Anti-Aircraft)
- Panzerjäger Abteilung 2 (Anti-Tank)
- Nachrichten Abteilung 2 (Signals)
- Panzer Pioniere Battalion 32 (Engineers)
- Additional divisional headquarters and service units.
Combat History
Eastern Front (1941-1945)
The division participated in Operation Barbarossa from July 1941, fighting in the central sector of the Soviet Union. In September 1941, it moved to Army Group North and took part in the Siege of Leningrad. The division remained involved in the siege until November 1942, when it was transferred back to Army Group Centre.
Orel Front and Middle Dnepr (1943)
From March to August 1943, the 12th Panzer Division was active on the Orel front during the post-Kursk defensive battles. Subsequently, it fought in the defense of the middle Dnepr region, taking part in the intense battles as the German forces attempted to hold the eastern front against Soviet advances.
Retreat to Kurland (1944-1945)
In February 1944, the division was sent back to the northern sector, where it was involved in the retreating actions in the Baltic region. By August 1944, the division was stationed in Kurland (modern-day Latvia), where it continued to fight as part of the encircled Kurland Pocket until it was forced to surrender to the Soviet forces in 1945.
Final Structure (1944-1945)
By the end of the war, the 12th Panzer Division’s establishment was:
- Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 12 (Reconnaissance)
- Panzer Regiment 29 (two battalions)
- Panzergrenadier Regiment 5 (two battalions)
- Panzergrenadier Regiment 25 (two battalions)
- Artillerie Regiment 2 (three battalions)
- Heeres Flak Abteilung 303 (Anti-Aircraft)
- Panzerjäger Abteilung 2 (Anti-Tank)
- Nachrichten Abteilung 2 (Signals)
- Panzer Pioniere Battalion 32 (Engineers)
- Divisional HQ and support units.
Key Highlights
- The 12th Panzer Division played a significant role in the siege of Leningrad from 1941 to 1942, one of the longest and most brutal sieges in military history.
- It was heavily engaged in defensive battles in the Orel and Dnepr areas, trying to halt Soviet offensives during 1943.
- The division eventually ended the war in the Kurland Pocket, where it was captured by Soviet forces in 1945.